With US flag carriers, it’s monkey see, monkey do as they tend to match dramatic moves to align with each other. While American Airlines has not yet announced a switch to a dynamic award chart it’s all but certain...
United, Delta Dynamic Awards Hurt Loyal But Infrequent Flyers Most
This week, United joined the ranks of Delta in removing their award chart and switching to dynamically (variably) priced award redemptions. While in some cases consumers may benefit from the change, infrequent but loyal flyers are hurt the most....
United Can’t Get The Upsell Right
United Airlines offers several upsell options when they sell airline tickets to passengers. Despite logging in with total access to my customer profile, they continue to fail at the upsell. Why? If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a...
Affordable Trans-Atlantic Fares Will Remain Despite WOW Air Failure
This week Icelandic discount carrier, WOW Air, folded. Passengers, aircraft, and employees were left stranded across destinations when the airline ceased operations. While WOW Air was part of the cheap Trans-Atlantic flight revolution, it won’t go away simply because they did. If...
Iberia Bungled My Avios Balance, Risk It or Leave It?
As part of Iberia’s excellent Avios promotion, I earned 90,000 Avios for less than $400. However, despite following the promotion, I have a negative balance and a booked trip. I can’t decide if I should leave it negative or...
The Power of Points Is Freedom, Not Just Savings
The true power of miles and points is not in saving travelers money, but in offering them freedom. On a recent trip, we made a change in plans and decided on a whim to visit the Cayman Islands for...
Review: Sofitel Luang Prabang – Garden Suite
This is a year of renewed discovery for our family and we had yet to visit Laos after countless trips to Southeast Asia. We selected the Sofitel Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage protected site – it was stunning....
I’m Not Flying Southwest to Hawaii Even With Companion Pass
Southwest Airlines has started flights to Hawaii, initially offering limited availability as cheap as $99 round-trip. But even with the Companion Pass, I won’t take Southwest to the islands. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit...
24 Hours in Luang Prabang, Laos
During a recent trip to Southeast Asia, my family wanted to visit one of the more mysterious countries we have left unexplored. This guide will help you plan a productive 24-hour visit to beautiful, Luang Prabang, Laos. If you...
Nearly Botching the Equinox – Dzibilchaltún, Mexico
We love visiting Mérida, Mexico and found out that a temple nearby was purpose-built for the equinox. We visited in the fall, but as we struggled to find information prior to our experience, it seemed prudent to post about...
American Airlines Partnership With Hyatt Ruffles Feathers But Should It?
American Airlines and Hyatt Hotels announced a partnership that will allow elites from each program to earn while flying or staying with the other. But some aspects of the partnership are one-sided, leaving Hyatt members upset, but maybe they...
Leaving Your Job? Take a Vacation!
Work transitions can be tough but as counterintuitive as it may be, it’s the best time to take a vacation (especially with miles and points). If you’re leaving your job, take a vacation. If you are considering booking travel or signing up...
Marriott’s Loyalty Program Is So Bad, “Bonvoy” Is a Derogatory Verb
Many lines of prose have been written about the bungling of Marriott Bonvoy, their loyalty program transition. Now that the program has been re-launched, many loyalists are using the peculiar name of the botched program, “Bonvoy”, as a derogatory verb. If...
Review: Coral Lounge Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok
My credit cards give me a membership in the Priority Pass program which allows me to use lounges all over the world. But Don Muang International in Bangkok, the discounter hub is not where you’d expect to find one....
Restaurant Review: Gaggan – Bangkok, Thailand
Winner of two Michelin stars and winner of the best restaurant in Asia, Gaggan is a progressive Indian restaurant in Bangkok’s Embassy district. Despite an outcry from the public, the restaurant will close forever in August of 2020. Here...
When The Hotel Concierge Comes Through
On a recent visit to Bangkok Thailand, we stayed in a number of hotels at a variety of price points. It was a pair of concierges at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit that made all the difference for our...
Review: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit – Suite
After decades of just a single property in Bangkok, Hyatt has added three in the last two years, the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit the most recent addition. We frequent the Big Mango and have stayed at more than a...
Review: Grand Hyatt Bali – Executive Suite
During a long trip through Southeast Asia, we tried a number of hotels we haven’t stayed in before. One of which was the Grand Hyatt Bali, a mega-resort in Nusa Dua. We were treated to a Globalist suite upgrade...
What’s An Appropriate Remedy For Vigilante Korean Agent Incident?
Last week I recounted an exchange I had with a vigilante Korean Air lounge attendant that attempted to downgrade me from paid business class to coach on her own accord despite substantial evidence I bought the correct ticket. Many...
Spirit Airport Booking Is My Favorite Travel Hack
Spirit is the king of a la carte fares. They promise cheap seats on direct flights but everything is extra, even paying for your ticket incurs a $15-20 convenience fee when you buy online. We decided we don’t want...
